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Cowboys sign Coote after Panthers release

Lachlan Coote will join North Queensland on a three-year deal from 2014 after Penrith released the fullback from the final year of his contract.

Coote will fill the jumper to be made vacant following Matt Bowen's departure - with the former Queensland Origin representative weighing up either retirement or a stint in Super League with Wigan.

In a career so far blighted by injury, 23-year-old Coote was deemed surplus to requirements at the foot of the mountains following the mid-year emergence of Matt Moylan.

A possible shift to the halves was also complicated by the signing of veteran pair Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace for next season.

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"I'm really grateful for the opportunities Penrith has given me," Coote said in a statement.

"It's been a great club to be a part of, I have made some great mates and the support from fans has been amazing. I'm looking forward to my next challenge with the Cowboys and I'm excited to see what they have planned for me".

Coote has been limited to just six games in 2013 after rupturing his pectoral muscle in the second round against Wests Tigers.

Since making his NRL debut in 2008, just twice has Coote managed to play more than 16 games in a season due to a variety of injuries.